At last! World premiere of highly-requested James Horner soundtrack for Walt Disney fantasy from Ray Bradbury classic, directed by Jack Clayton, starring Jason Robards, Jonathan Pryce, Pam Grier. James Horner writes incredibly effective horror score with meld of spooky menace, sheer terror! Music for Mr. Dark & approaching carnival in small town at turn of the century is unusually evocative. In rich contrast is memorable, nostalgic Americana theme for boyhood elements of fantastic tale. Soaring major-key waltz melody remains one of composer's finest inspirations; final moment when wistful idea plays in harmonica is simply divine! Intrada proudly presents score in dynamic stereo, mixed from mint condition original digital master elements for first time ever! James Horner & his customary engineer Simon Rhodes personally produce spectacular album for Intrada with maximum listening pleasure in mind, just as they would for major label. Results are one of composer's richest albums! James Horner conducts. Intrada Special Collection Volume 95 limited to 3000 copies!

While a release of this score is long overdue (this album
nearly coinciding with the 26th anniversary of the film’s
opening), it posed a technical challenge for the production.
During the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, when digital formats
were new, some of Disney’s digital recordings were done
on the 3M Digital Audio Mastering System, which consisted
of a 32-track deck (16-bit, 50 kHz audio) running 1” tape
and a 4-track, ½” mastering recorder. a format that quickly
became obsolete as other digital technologies gained
popularity. At first, the search to find a 3M machine proved
discouraging. While James Horner had maintained a
31-minute presentation of the score assembled back at
the film’s release, it was missing several key sequences that the 3M tapes would provide.
Not about to give up easily, Intrada continued its search and soon discovered that Disney
Imagineering, which supports the Disney theme parks, had used the format extensively
and maintained a working machine. It may well be the last machine of its kind. With that
discovery, Intrada (with the help of Horner and Simon Rhodes) was able to get the score
transferred in stunning quality for this release.

—Roger Feigelson

Composed and Conducted by James Horner.Calliope recorded on January 2, 1983, at MCA-Whitney Studio, Glendale, California. Orchestra recorded on February 22, 23, 24, and 25, 1983, at Walt Disney Scoring Stage, Burbank, California.